When it comes to exotic locales and incredible experiences, nothing beats an African safari and the best place to get your packing tips from is an African Safari veteran! A trip to Africa can be one of the most exciting and memorable adventure holidays of a lifetime, no matter what region of the continent you choose to visit. The serene plains and soaring mountains combine with the exotic cultures and diverse wildlife population to make it a destination unlike any other.
For many people, of course, the highlight of any travel to Africa is the African safari, where you’ll get a look at some of the continent’s wild animals in their natural habitats. Preparing for your African safari is exciting – and can even be a little overwhelming! The following checklist will help you embark on your African safari with everything you want – and need – to have the experience of a lifetime!
1. Insect Repellent
This is the first thing that most people think of when packing for travel to Africa – specifically, to repel mosquitoes. Taking the right insect repellent on your adventure holidays can keep you comfortable while helping you avoid the risk of malaria and other diseases that mosquitoes can sometimes carry. The most effective mosquito repellents for travel to Africa are those containing 25-50% DEET (diethyl metatoluamide).
2. Cameras
If you have a great camera that takes quality images, you’ll obviously want to take it with you when you travel to Africa to capture everything you see and do. It’s also a good idea to bring along a disposable camera on your adventure holidays to Africa. That way, if your favorite camera runs out of batteries, you won’t miss a moment of your African Safari.
3. Passport & Money Holder
During your adventure holidays to Africa, it’s important to keep your passport, money and tickets close to your heart – literally! These handy tan holders are familiar to most international travelers, and can be worn under your clothes as a belt or around the neck. That way, if something happens to your bag during your travel to Africa, you still have everything you really need to stay on track.
4. Hats & Hair Ties
Hats and hair ties can make your African safari more enjoyable, especially if you have long hair. Wide-brimmed hats work best when it comes to shielding your head from the sun and keeping you cool; and, if you have long hair, keeping it pulled back and/or put up under a hat can protect it from dust and debris on a bumpy African safari trail.
5. Bottled water
It’s important to bring along several bottles of clean water on your adventure holidays to Africa. Staying hydrated on your African safari is a no-brainer, and you may not always have access to drinking water that you are 100% sure is safe to drink. So bring some along on your travel to Africa; if you don’t need it, great! But, if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.
6. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is probably the second thing most people think of when packing for adventure holidays, but it’s important not to forget it. Make sure the brand you choose is sweat- and water-resistant, just in case!
7. Journal or Notebook
Not every memory can be captured on film, and you won’t want to forget a moment of your travel to Africa! Bringing along a journal or notebook will allow you to jot down interesting things you see and do. When you get back home, and for years to come, you’ll be glad you have it!
8. Ready-to-Eat Snacks
These are important to bring along on your adventure holidays to Africa, too, as you may not always have access to a snack when you need one. Good snacks to bring along include beef jerky, trail mix and granola bars.
With a little bit of preparation, you can make your African safari fun, safe, comfortable – and an experience to last a lifetime!
